«For and against» essay

This article is a kind of continuation of the theme of writing essays in English and will tell you more about this difficult at first glance, its type as «for and against» essay. In a previous article we talked about the so-called opinion essays, so I propose to deal first of all, with the main question: what do they differ. The titles are already talking to us about the main difference: the main objective opinion essays is a reasoned explanation for its views on the proposed question for you, so let me remind you that in writing this type of essay, our task is to take one of the possible points of view, and how can a more structured and consistently argue it. Quite different is the case with the writing «for and against» essays: the basic rule that should be remembered when starting to write this essay, it is a clear indication that your perspective is not required or even encouraged. The main task is to maintain an impartial position on the issue that you are discussing, so your task will be to provide both arguments «for» and arguments «against», where in fact the name of this type of essay. Usually much easier to argue a point of view with which we agree, it is for this reason that this type of an essay can be considered a little more complicated, because here we have to provide equally strong arguments from two opposing points of view.

As for rules of construction, they practically do not differ from those that were considered when it came to opinion essays, but we still consider those features, which will feature this type of an essay on any other. So:

Introductory paragraph — here you face major challenges: first, you clearly specify the topic. Remember that you need to rephrase the statement, which is the theme of your writings, but in no case do not repeat it word for word. Secondly, you should remember that here you do not express their views, but only konstatiruete fact that the issue may have several points of view, and you’ll be treated later in his essay.

Main body — the main part usually consists of two paragraphs, each of which will represent one of the possible points of view. Remember that you should strictly adhere to the same idea in one paragraph. E. One of them will provide the arguments «for», while the second will discuss the arguments «against». And, of course, do not forget about the topic sentences, words which were in the previous article.

Conclusion — the conclusion is the only part of your essay in which you can still express their views, but you can also stick to the neutral position, continuing the tone of the entire essay.

So, what else is necessary to take into consideration when starting to write «for and against» essays?

Make a list of arguments «for» and «against» in order to start writing, you were already formulated ideas and you have to choose the ones that you think is more successful and convincing.

Try to back up their arguments by examples.

Remember that a paragraph can not consist only of a single sentence.

Use only formal style.

Try to use any quotes that fit the theme of your essay.

And, of course, the phrase that will help you express your ideas:

To submit ideas: one major advantage / disadvantage, a further advantage / disadvantage, one point of view in favour of / against.

To enumerate the idea: to start with, to begin with, firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally, in the first place, last but not least.

To add information to the already presented the idea: apart from this / that, besides, in addition to, furthermore, what is more, there is another side to the issue / question / argument of, not to mention (the fact) that, also, not only … but also / as well.

To represent opposing ideas: it may be said / argued / claimed that, nonetheless, nevertheless, however, still, yet, but, whereas, despite / in spite of (the fact that), although, though, even though, while, whilst , regardless of the fact that, even so, on the other hand.

To give examples: for example, for instance, such as, like, in particular, particularly, especially, this is (clearly) illustrated / shown by the fact that …, the / a clear / striking / typical example of (this) … , the fact that … shows / illustrates that …

To conclude: in conclusion, on balance, all things considered, to sum ​​up, all in all, finally / lastly, taking everything into account / consideration, to conclude.